The United Soccer League announced today the winners of the postseason organizational awards for the 2025 W League season. Minnesota Aurora FC has been named Organization of the Year for the second time, newcomer and league champions Utah United was named New Organization of the Year and Annapolis Blues FC General Manager Jim Gabarra was named Executive of the Year.  

The winners were determined by vote via club and league executives, taking into account successes at both the operational and competitive levels.  

Minnesota Aurora FC was named 2025 Organization of the Year following its outstanding fourth campaign in the W League. The team finished the regular season undefeated with a record of 10-0-2, earning its fourth-consecutive Heartland Division title. 

Anchored by 2025 Defender of the Year Charley Boone and All-League selection Cat Rapp, Minnesota’s on-field performance was highlighted by an incredible atmosphere at TCO Stadium, which hosted its first W League playoff match since 2022 in this year’s National Semifinal.  

The club also continues to make an impact off the field. Aurora hosted multiple community events throughout the summer and fundraised over $5,000 for its mental health initiative through its partnership with WeAre8 and National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI). 

“We’re incredibly honored to be named the USL W League Organization of the Year,” said Saara Hassoun, Minnesota Aurora Chief of Staff. “This recognition reflects the passion, dedication, and joy our players, staff and community bring to the club every single day. We’re proud of everything the team accomplished — from the success we achieved on the field to the meaningful impact we continue to make off it." 

Utah United was named 2025 New Organization of the Year after making history as the first expansion team to win the league title in its inaugural season.  

Utah United climbed to the top of the Mountain Division with a league-high 61 goals, led by Golden Boot winner and Player of the Year Seven Castain. Utah defeated last season’s runner-up Colorado Storm to become one of four expansion teams to advance to the playoffs. 

The club continued its campaign with an impressive postseason run, which featured wins against veteran sides FC Olympia, Stockton Cargo SC and Minnesota Aurora FC, along with three consecutive clean sheets by All-League selection goalkeeper Taylor Rath. Utah hosted the 2025 W League Final, where the team won 4-0 against defending champions NC Courage U23. 

“This award is a reflection of the hard work, passion and commitment shown by everyone who has contributed to building this team and its community presence in such a short time,” said Matt Walbruch, Utah United General Manager. “We extend our deepest gratitude to our players, whose dedication and talent on the field inspired us daily, and to our coaches, whose leadership and vision were instrumental in creating a winning culture. 

“We are also thankful to our staff, whose tireless efforts behind the scenes ensure that Utah United operates with professionalism and excellence,” Walbruch said. “This award is only the beginning. Utah United is committed to continuing to grow, to inspire, and to represent our community with pride at the highest level.” 

General Manager Jim Gabarra was named 2025 Executive of the Year for his commitment and support of Annapolis Blues FC in its inaugural W League campaign.  

The Blues kicked off their season by setting the league attendance record with 7,289 fans at Navy Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in its home opener. The team finished the season undefeated (9-0-1) to secure the Chesapeake Division title and clinch a playoff berth. Annapolis hosted both of its postseason matches and advanced to the Eastern Conference Semifinals before falling to NC Courage U23 in penalty kicks. 

Gabarra played a large role in the team’s success in its inaugural season. The general manager selected Maryland native Ashly Kennedy as the team’s first head coach, who won 2025 W League Coach of the Year, and formed the team’s roster that saw two All-League First Team selections. 

“Receiving this recognition is a tremendous honor, but I view it as a team award,” Gabarra said. “I could not be prouder of our entire group and the Annapolis Blues family. I look forward to continuing to grow our club and to being part of building something truly special here in Annapolis.”